Health and Medical News Headlines for November 14, 2009

Rethink for calorie eating levels

The calorie counts used as the foundation for diet plans and healthy-eating guidance for the past 18 years may be wrong, a report suggests.
Source: BBC News | Health | World Edition | 14 Nov 2009 | 1:27 am

Food Agency Delays Ban on Oysters After Outcry

The Food and Drug Administration said it would instead conduct a study of whether the oysters should be processed to kill deadly bacteria rather then be sold raw.

Source: NYT > Health | 14 Nov 2009 | 12:13 am

Fragile Care Worsened Swine Flu in Ukraine

A frenzy for care in Ukraine has drawn attention from experts bracing for the epidemic to hit Europe, and especially the flimsy health care systems of countries of the former Soviet Union.

Source: NYT > Health | 13 Nov 2009 | 11:55 pm

China investigates 2 deaths after flu vaccinations (AP)

AP - Two people in China who received swine flu vaccinations died in the past week but at least one death appears unrelated to the vaccine and the other was being investigated.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 13 Nov 2009 | 11:47 pm

Vital Signs: Screening: One More Reason to Get Up Early

The new study looked at the results from colonoscopies performed on 477 patients at the West Los Angeles Veterans Medical Center in 2006 and 2007.

Source: NYT > Health | 13 Nov 2009 | 11:26 pm

Patient Money: Path to Alternative Therapies Is Littered With Obstacles

Trying unconventional remedies is a bold move, let alone trying to get an insurer to cover the expense and knowing what pills to buy.

Source: NYT > Health | 13 Nov 2009 | 10:58 pm

Vials of 5 Genzyme Drugs for Rare Diseases May Be Contaminated, F.D.A. Says

Vials of five different Genzyme drugs for rare diseases may be contaminated with tiny particles of steel, rubber or fiber that could potentially harm patients, the Food and Drug Administration warned Friday.

Source: NYT > Health | 13 Nov 2009 | 10:55 pm

William Ganz, Catheter Inventor, Dies at 90

Dr. Ganz, a cardiologist and medical inventor, helped develop a revolutionary catheter to measure blood flow and heart functions.

Source: NYT > Health | 13 Nov 2009 | 10:52 pm

Doctor and Patient: Primary Care’s Image Problem

As few as 2 percent of medical students are pursuing general internal medicine, a trend that could doom efforts at universal health care.

Source: NYT > Health | 13 Nov 2009 | 9:51 pm

Clinical Trials Update: Nov. 13, 2009 (HealthDay)

HealthDay - (HealthDay News) -- Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 13 Nov 2009 | 9:49 pm

Many Kids Feel Threatened in the Classroom (HealthDay)

HealthDay - FRIDAY, Nov. 13 (HealthDay News) -- It is often assumed that the schoolyard is where bullies go to make other kids miserable, but a new study suggests that classrooms are another popular site.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 13 Nov 2009 | 9:48 pm

Medicare Part D: What to Expect This Open Enrollment Period (HealthDay)

HealthDay - FRIDAY, Nov. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Seniors enrolled in private, standalone Medicare prescription drugs plans (PDP) could encounter significant changes this open enrollment period, which begins Sunday.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 13 Nov 2009 | 9:48 pm

Another Swine Flu Vaccine Approved for Children (HealthDay)

HealthDay - FRIDAY, Nov. 13 (HealthDay News) -- CSL Limited's H1N1 influenza vaccine has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to include children 6 months and older, the agency said. Previously, the shot had been approved only for adults.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 13 Nov 2009 | 9:48 pm

F.D.A. Says It May Ban Alcoholic Drinks With Caffeine

The agency said it told nearly 30 manufacturers of the beverages that they needed to provide clear evidence of safety.

Source: NYT > Health | 13 Nov 2009 | 9:36 pm

Navy’s Vieques Training May Be Tied to Health Risks

A federal agency reversed its conclusion that contamination posed no risks to residents in Puerto Rico.

Source: NYT > Health | 13 Nov 2009 | 9:05 pm

BC Ambulance warns of delays due to staff shortages

VANCOUVER, B.C. - The B.C. Ambulance Service is warning the public that calls for flu-like symptoms and minor injuries in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley will likely be delayed...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 13 Nov 2009 | 8:58 pm

China investigates 2 deaths after flu vaccinations

Two people in China who received swine flu vaccinations died in the past week but at least one death appears unrelated to the vaccine and the other was being investigated. The country's...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 13 Nov 2009 | 8:25 pm

Forty Years' War: Medicines to Deter Some Cancers Are Not Taken

The few drugs proved to deter cancer are widely ignored, researchers say, while ineffective supplements are used.

Source: NYT > Health | 13 Nov 2009 | 8:22 pm

Solar power startup Ausra looks to sell itself

* Solar thermal start-up raised $130 mln in venture capital
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 13 Nov 2009 | 7:40 pm

UPDATE 1-Icahn raises purchase price for CIT notes to $650

NEW YORK, Nov 13 (Reuters) - Investor Carl Icahn on Friday raised his offer for the senior notes of bankrupt CIT Group to $650 per $1,000 of principal notes tendered.
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 13 Nov 2009 | 7:24 pm

China says 2 dead after getting swine flu vaccine

China's health ministry says two people who received vaccinations for swine flu have died though at least one of the death appears to be unrelated. A statement posted on the ministry's...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 13 Nov 2009 | 7:05 pm

Feds ignored Medicare scam warnings for years (AP)

AP - For three years, the federal agency in charge of preventing Medicare fraud repeatedly ignored internal watchdog warnings about swindlers stealing millions of dollars by scamming several programs, documents show.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 13 Nov 2009 | 6:57 pm

Groups at risk from swine flu should avoid hajj: study

People at risk of suffering severe consequences from swine flu should postpone going to the hajj in 2009, according to a study released on Saturday. Some 2.5 million Muslims from more...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 13 Nov 2009 | 5:12 pm

Bone health

Dance star's moves target osteoporosis patients
Source: BBC News | Health | World Edition | 13 Nov 2009 | 5:03 pm

Teeth grinders are in for a shock

Patients complaining of grinding their teeth in their sleep are being given mild electric shock treatment.
Source: BBC News | Health | World Edition | 13 Nov 2009 | 5:01 pm

UPDATE 4-Steel, rubber found in some Genzyme drugs

* Genzyme shares drop more than 7 percent (Updates with comments from company, analysts, FDA)
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 13 Nov 2009 | 4:54 pm

Health Canada approves adjuvant-free H1N1 vaccine but not for small children

TORONTO - Clinics and doctors across the country were given the green light Friday to start using 1.8 million doses of H1N1 vaccine made without adjuvant - but they were told not to give...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 13 Nov 2009 | 4:47 pm

Judge tells Grupo to offer contract to Asarco union

* Grupo says would assume Asarco's existing union contract
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 13 Nov 2009 | 4:44 pm

UPDATE 1-Pershing reports Landry's stake; opposes CEO takeover

* Says will not support planned takeover of Landry's by CEO
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 13 Nov 2009 | 4:31 pm

Low White Blood Cell Count Distinguishes Lyme Arthritis From Septic Arthritis

Children are more likely than adults to present with arthritis as the initial manifestation of Lyme disease; the leukocyte count can help differentiate between Lyme arthritis and septic arthritis.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 13 Nov 2009 | 4:10 pm

Colombia chef school concocts dessert with Viagra (AP)

AP - A Colombian cooking school has concocted a "love dessert" made with passion fruit — and Viagra.

Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 13 Nov 2009 | 4:02 pm

High Prevalence of Masked Hypertension in Children With Kidney Disease

Children with chronic kidney disease have a high prevalence of masked hypertension, often in association with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), research findings indicate.
Reuters Health Information
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 13 Nov 2009 | 3:55 pm

Longer Second-Stage Labor Is Worse for Mothers Than for Newborns

Prolonged second-stage labor increases the risk of adverse effects for mothers but generally not for their newborns, according to two reports in the October issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Reuters Health Information
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 13 Nov 2009 | 3:55 pm

Hyperparathyroidism Linked to Carotid Vascular Abnormalities

Primary hyperparathyroidism is associated with abnormal carotid plaque thickness, carotid stiffness, and distensibility, according to a report in the October issue of The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Reuters Health Information
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 13 Nov 2009 | 3:55 pm

Medical Device Prices in Crosshairs of Reform

Cash-strapped hospitals are stepping up pressure on the prices of medical devices - from knee replacements to diagnostic tests and surgical systems -- as momentum builds toward U.S. healthcare reform.
Reuters Health Information
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 13 Nov 2009 | 3:55 pm

Older Women With Visual Field Loss Have Higher Risk for Fractures

Binocular visual field loss is a risk factor for fractures in older women, according to a report in the October issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Reuters Health Information
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 13 Nov 2009 | 3:55 pm

Serotonin-Blocking Antidepressants Linked to Joint Disorders

The use of serotonin receptor 2A (5-HT2A)-blocking antidepressants may increase the risk of various joint disorders, researchers report in the October 15th issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism.
Reuters Health Information
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 13 Nov 2009 | 3:55 pm

Laser Therapy Effective for Acute and Chronic Neck Pain

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) provides rapid relief of acute neck pain as well as sustained improvements in chronic neck pain, a meta-analysis has shown. Exactly how it works, though, is still a bit of a mystery.
Reuters Health Information
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 13 Nov 2009 | 3:55 pm

FDA finds particles of trash in vials of Genzyme drugs (AP)

AP - Federal health regulators have found tiny particles of trash in drugs made by Genzyme, the second time this year the biotechnology company has been cited for contamination issues.

Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 13 Nov 2009 | 3:54 pm

Perioperative Vision Loss Most Common After Cardiac Surgery or Spinal Fusion

Patients undergoing cardiac surgery and spinal fusion are more likely to experience perioperative visual loss (POVL) than are patients undergoing other operations, new research shows. Still, even with these two types of procedures, the absolute risk of POVL is very small.
Reuters Health Information
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 13 Nov 2009 | 3:26 pm

Enoxaparin Favored for Heart Valve Patients During Pregnancy

Enoxaparin treatment during pregnancy in women with mechanical heart valves prevents valve thrombosis and leads to better fetal outcomes than warfarin, researchers report in the November issue of BJOG.
Reuters Health Information
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 13 Nov 2009 | 3:26 pm

Alanis Morissette's new outlook on health

Alanis Morissette was the definition of "fierce" when she arrived on the American music scene with one of the big break-up songs of the '90s, "You Oughta Know." But behind that tough exterior were secrets of a difficult past.

Source: CNN.com - Health | 13 Nov 2009 | 3:22 pm

FDA: Caffeinated alcoholic drinks may be illegal

The Food and Drug Administration has notified about 30 manufacturers of alcoholic beverages containing added caffeine that it intends to take a look at their products.

Source: CNN.com - Health | 13 Nov 2009 | 3:09 pm

Yoga helps little ones channel energy, emotion

In classes from Minnetonka, Minnesota, to Moscow, active kids are learning focus and relax with traditional poses like Downward Dog and the Sun Salutation.

Source: CNN.com - Health | 13 Nov 2009 | 1:40 pm

FDA questions safety of alcoholic energy drinks (AP)

AP - The Food and Drug Administration is challenging makers of alcohol-infused energy drinks to prove their beverages are safe, citing complaints that the products can cause risky behavior and injury.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 13 Nov 2009 | 1:16 pm

Enke death: What are the roots of depression?

Robert Enke, the goalkeeper for the German national football team who killed himself on Tuesday, was suffering from depression, his widow has revealed.

Source: CNN.com - Health | 13 Nov 2009 | 12:31 pm

Too Much Texting Linked To Neck And Shoulder Pain

Preliminary research on college students in the US suggests that too much texting can lead to neck and shoulder pain, similar to that found in older adults who develop injuries from prolonged and repeated use of computers.

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 13 Nov 2009 | 12:00 pm

Protect your heart with fresh garlic

I think it's safe to say that you'll never need to use garlic to repel an old-school vampire. Plus, 21st-century vamps are so cute that I'm not sure I'd want to repel any of them. (I'm looking at you, True Blood Bill.)

Source: CNN.com - Health | 13 Nov 2009 | 10:57 am

Gaming doctor 'caused baby death'

A Chinese baby dies in hospital because his doctor was playing an online game while his condition worsened, reports say.
Source: BBC News | Health | World Edition | 13 Nov 2009 | 8:39 am

Mom: Hospital irradiated my baby

Kerry Higuera went to the ER when she began bleeding in early pregnancy. It's a decision she now regrets. Empowered Patient this week offers tips to help you avoid being the victim of a hospital mistake.

Source: CNN.com - Health | 13 Nov 2009 | 8:08 am

CDC's swine flu toll: 4,000 dead, 22 million ill (AP)

AP - Estimates of deaths caused by the swine flu have grown to nearly 4,000 since April, roughly quadrupling previous estimates. But that doesn't mean swine flu suddenly has worsened.

Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 13 Nov 2009 | 7:15 am

Â£4.9 Million To Develop Metamaterials For 'Invisibility Cloaks' And 'Perfect Lenses'

Research into designing and building unique 'metamaterials' has received a Â£4.9 million funding boost from The Leverhulme Trust. Metamaterials can be used for invisibility 'cloaking' devices, sensitive security sensors that can detect tiny quantities of dangerous substances, and flat lenses that can be used to image tiny objects much smaller than the wavelength of light.

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 13 Nov 2009 | 7:00 am

New Book Thinking In Circles About Obesity Presents A Novel Approach To Addressing The Weight Crisis

Low-carbâ€¦low-fatâ€¦high-proteinâ€¦high-fiberâ€¦Americans are food-savvy, label-conscious, calorie-aware - and still gaining weight in spite of all their good intentions. Worse still, today's children run the risk of a shorter life expectancy than their parents.

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 13 Nov 2009 | 7:00 am

Food Science And Clinical Science Joined For The First Time In A Periodical

Springer is founding a new journal Food Digestion, dedicated to a quickly growing area of research - food science combined with the physiology of digestion. The journal will publish two issues in 2010 and increase to four issues in 2011.

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 13 Nov 2009 | 6:00 am

Food Summit Draft Declaration Omits Hunger Eradication Deadline, Aid Commitment

"A declaration to be made at next week's world food summit in Rome will not mention a target to eradicate hunger by 2025 nor a commitment to spend $44 billion a year in agricultural aid, according to a final draft," Reuters reports (Aloisi, 11/12). Those items "were the main points of conflict in behind-the-scenes talks before the summit.

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 13 Nov 2009 | 6:00 am

Discoveries At NJIT Including Drug To Stop Brain Injury Receives $1.4M Funding

A drug to stop bleeding during a brain injury and a mattress that will prevent bedsores are among the scientific discoveries at NJIT that received earlier this week more than a million dollars in funding from the New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology.

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 13 Nov 2009 | 6:00 am

Businesses At Risk From Health Reform, Or Status Quo, Depending On Source

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Employment Policies Institute and other friends of business have joined to launch a national television ad campaign, beginning Thursday, that will warn against the health care overhaul, The Boston Globe reports.

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 13 Nov 2009 | 6:00 am

Connections Between Circadian And Metabolic Systems Described By New Paper

A paper by University of Notre Dame biologist Giles Duffield and a team of researchers offers new insights into a gene that plays a key role in modulating the body's Circadian system and may also simultaneously modulate its metabolic system.

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 13 Nov 2009 | 6:00 am

In Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Treatment, More Pain Means Real Gain

The saying "more pain, more gain" may be true for those already in terrible pain due to a chronic and debilitating condition, contrary to received wisdom. For those with Type I Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), working through the pain of an aggressive physiotherapy program often leads to far better results than a more cautious pain-free approach.

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 13 Nov 2009 | 6:00 am

Making End-Of-Life Wishes Known Is Rare; More Hospice Care Could Save Medicare Money

The Associated Press reports on hospice care. "Lillian Landry always said she wasn't afraid to die. So when death came last week, the 99-year-old was lying peacefully in a hospice with no needles or tubes. Her final days saw her closest friend at her side and included occasional shots of her favorite whiskey, Canadian Mist. Landry is an exception.

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 13 Nov 2009 | 6:00 am

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